Cut-Out Animation Explained

Cut-out animation is one of the most visually distinct and creatively flexible forms of animation out there. Whether you’ve seen it in quirky TV shows or imaginative indie films, its charm is hard to miss. But what exactly is cut-out animation, how does it work, and why does it continue to thrive in the digital age? Let’s break it all down.

What is Cut-Out Animation?

Cut-out animation is a technique that uses flat characters, props, and backgrounds cut from materials such as paper, fabric, or even digital shapes. These pieces are moved frame by frame to create movement, giving the illusion that the characters and objects are animated.

This method has been around since the early days of animation and is known for its simplicity and handmade feel. In traditional cut-out animation, everything is physically crafted and manipulated by hand, often using pins or joints to allow limbs to move. In modern times, many cut-out techniques have gone digital, using software to replicate the same effects with more precision and speed.

What makes cut-out animation stand out is its efficiency and style. Since only parts of a character or object need to be moved rather than redrawn, it saves time and effort. This also gives it a distinctive, sometimes jerky motion that many find endearing and unique.

How Cut-Out Animation is Made

Creating a cut-out animation can be both a hands-on craft and a digital design process. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

• Character and Asset Design
  First, the characters, props, and backgrounds are designed. In traditional animation, these are cut from paper, cardboard, or cloth. In digital versions, they’re created using graphic design software.
• Rigging the Characters
  In traditional animation, the limbs are attached using fasteners like brass fasteners or pins so they can pivot. In digital animation, the characters are “rigged” using bones and joints in software like Toon Boom or Adobe After Effects.
• Scene Setup
  The background and scene are set up either as physical sets or digital canvases. Everything is arranged to prepare for the animation sequence.
• Frame-by-Frame Animation
  Each movement is created by changing the position of the cut-out pieces and capturing a photo (in traditional) or a frame (in digital). The process repeats for every small movement, creating the illusion of motion when played in sequence.
• Adding Sound and Final Touches
  Once the animation is complete, audio is added, including dialogue, sound effects, and music. Final tweaks are made to ensure everything flows smoothly.

Cut-out animation requires patience and planning, but it allows for a lot of creative expression, especially with storytelling and character design.

Traditional vs. Digital Cut-Out Animation

Both traditional and digital methods have their pros and unique qualities. Here’s a side-by-side look:

Many animators today combine both approaches to get the best of both worlds—using digital tools to replicate the charm of traditional methods.

Where You’ve Seen Cut-Out Animation

Cut-out animation has been used in a wide range of productions, from children’s programming to edgy adult cartoons. Some well-known examples include:

• South Park
  Originally created with actual paper cut-outs, South Park eventually transitioned to digital animation while keeping the same iconic style. Its crude, blocky movements are a direct nod to the cut-out technique.
• Charlie and Lola
  A beloved children’s show that uses digital cut-out animation with a hand-drawn aesthetic, giving it a playful, scrapbook-like appearance.
• Monty Python’s Flying Circus
  The surreal and absurd animations in this classic British comedy series were created by Terry Gilliam using real cut-outs from magazines and photographs.
• Peppa Pig
  While digitally animated, the show employs the flat, simple design and movement style of cut-out animation, making it accessible and appealing to young viewers.

Cut-out animation is often chosen for projects that aim for a distinctive look and feel or that need to produce content quickly and on a tight budget.

FAQs About Cut-Out Animation

What materials are used in traditional cut-out animation?
Paper, cardboard, cloth, and even photographs are commonly used. These are often colored or drawn on, then cut into separate pieces like limbs and heads for characters.

Is cut-out animation only for kids’ shows?
Not at all. While it’s popular in children’s content, it’s also used in adult animations, music videos, educational films, and even art installations.

Can I make cut-out animation at home?
Absolutely. You just need basic tools like paper, scissors, a camera, and some patience. For digital versions, free software options like OpenToonz or Pencil2D can get you started.

Why do some animations look jerky or choppy?
That’s often intentional with cut-out animation. Instead of aiming for ultra-smooth movement, the style embraces a more staggered, puppet-like motion that adds character.

What’s the difference between cut-out animation and stop motion?
Cut-out animation is a type of stop motion. The key difference is in the materials—cut-out animation uses flat 2D elements, while other stop-motion techniques might use clay figures, puppets, or 3D objects.

Is cut-out animation still relevant today?
Yes, very much so. Digital tools have made it more accessible and versatile, allowing indie creators, educators, and even large studios to keep using and innovating with the style.

Conclusion

Cut-out animation is a beautiful blend of simplicity, creativity, and resourcefulness. Whether made with scissors and glue or software and styluses, it carries a charm that more complex forms of animation sometimes miss. It offers a unique storytelling style that’s accessible to beginners and still respected by seasoned animators.

In a world dominated by high-budget 3D animations and special effects, cut-out animation stands as a reminder that you don’t need a massive team or budget to tell a great story. Sometimes, all you need are a few shapes, some clever movement, and a strong imagination.

So whether you’re a fan of quirky cartoons or an aspiring animator, cut-out animation is worth exploring. It’s a timeless technique that continues to captivate audiences of all ages with its bold style and heartfelt simplicity.